Overview & Statistics

Since the inception of POPPA, we have provided services to both active and retired NYPD officers. The nature of our confidential services has helped to change the culture of law enforcement to understand that we care, and we can help.

Mental health professionals estimate that POPPA has prevented about 150 suicides since it began serving cops in 1996. Annual Help Line calls have risen over 300 percent from 250 in 1996 to 1,035 in the first nine months of 2002. POPPA responds to all calls and refers 45 percent of its clients to mental health professionals, while remaining available to provide crucial peer support. At any given time, POPPA is assisting about 35 officers who are undergoing treatment.

From September 11, 2001 through September 11, 2002 POPPA has counseled more than 5,000 New York Police Personnel in how to manage trauma and stress.

Since POPPA’s inception in 1996 we have responded to over fourteen thousand calls to our 24-hour active helpline. Follow-up referrals and PSO volunteer one-on-one meets have addressed the personal needs of over forty percent of these calls. We are humbled and proud to fulfill POPPA’s ongoing mission.

The nature of our confidential services has helped to change the culture of law enforcement to understand that we care.